Movies and TV shows tend to utilize close-ups (sometimes extreme close-ups) when the action begins getting really intense. This is because more information than you’re likely even consciously aware of is communicated by the human face. To say that humans are really facially centered is, well, not a stretch.
So it’s no surprise that the face is where all of our primary sensors are, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose. The face is jammed with aesthetically pleasing attributes.
But this can become a problem when you need multiple assistive devices. It can become a bit awkward when you use a hearing aid and wear glasses at the same time, for instance. It can be rather difficult in some situations. These tips on how to wear hearing aids and glasses simultaneously can help you handle those challenges, and get you ready for your (metaphorical) closeup!
Are glasses impeded by hearing aids?
As both your ears and your eyes will often need a bit of assistance, it’s common for people to have a concern that their eyeglasses and hearing aids could impede each other. That’s because both the placement of hearing aids and the size of eyeglasses have physical constraints. For many people, wearing them together can cause discomfort.
There are a couple of main concerns:
- Skin irritation: All of those bits hanging off your face can also sometimes result in skin irritation. If neither your glasses nor your hearing aids are fitting correctly, this is particularly true.
- Poor audio quality: It’s common for your audio quality to diminish when your glasses push your hearing aids out of position.
- Pressure: Both eyeglasses and hearing aids need to affix to your face somehow; often, they use the ear as a good anchor. However, having both a hearing aid and a pair of eyeglasses mounted on your ears can produce a sense of pressure and pain. This can also develop strain and pressure around the temples.
So, can you use glasses with hearing aids? Definitely! It might seem like they’re contradictory, but behind-the-ear hearing aids can effectively be worn with glasses!
How to use glasses and hearing aids at the same time
Every style of hearing aid will be compatible with your glasses, it’s just a question of how much work you will need to do. Generally speaking, only the behind-the-ear style of hearing aid is pertinent to this conversation. Inside-the-canal hearing aids are really small and fit nearly entirely inside the ear so they aren’t really relevant here. There’s normally absolutely no clash between inside-the-canal hearing aids and glasses.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, however, sit behind your ear. They’re connected by a wire to a speaker that goes in your ear canal. Each kind of hearing aid has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you should speak with us about what type of hearing aid would be best for your hearing needs.
If you use your glasses every day all day, you may want to go with an inside-the-canal style of hearing aid; but this kind of device won’t be the best choice for everybody. Some people will need a BTE style device in order to hear adequately, but even if that’s the case they can still make it work with glasses.
Adjust your glasses
In some instances, the type and style of glasses you have will have a significant influence on how comfortable your hearing aids are. You will want to get yourself some glasses with slimmer frames if you wear a large BTE hearing aid. In order to obtain a pair of glasses that will work well with your hearing aid, work with your optician.
And it’s also significant to be certain your glasses fit correctly. You want them snug (but not too tight) and you want to make sure they aren’t too loose. If your glasses are jiggling around everywhere, you could compromise your hearing aid results.
Using accessories is fine
So how can you wear glasses and hearing aids simultaneously? Well, If you’re having problems handling both your glasses and hearing aids, don’t worry, you aren’t the only one! This is a good thing because things can get a little easier by using some available devices. Some of those devices include:
- Anti-slip hooks: If your glasses are moving all over, they can push your hearing aid out of position and these devices help counter that. They’re a little more subtle than a retention band.
- Retention bands: These bands go around the back of your glasses, and they help keep your glasses in place. If you’re a more active individual, these are a good idea.
- Specially designed devices: There are a wide variety of devices on the market created specifically to make it easier to wear your hearing aids and glasses together. Glasses with built-in hearing aids are an example of one of these kinds of devices.
The goal with all of these devices is to secure your hearing aids, keep your glasses in place, and keep you feeling comfortable.
Will your hearing aids have more feedback if you’re wearing glasses?
Some people who wear glasses with their hearing aids do report more feedback. It’s not a very common complaint but it does happen. In some instances, the feedback you experience could be triggered by something else (such as a television speaker or mobile phone speaker).
Still, if you’re experiencing hearing aid feedback and interference and you believe that your glasses are to blame, consult us about possible fixes.
How to put on your hearing aids and glasses
Many of the problems associated with using hearing aids and glasses together can be prevented by making sure that all of your devices are being properly worn. Having them fit right is the key!
You can do that by utilizing these tips:
First put your glasses on. When it comes to adjustment, your glasses are bigger so they will have less wiggle room.
Once you have your glasses in place, position the shell of your hearing aid between the earpiece of your glasses and your outer ear. The earpiece of your glasses should be up against your head.
Adjust both as needed in order to be comfortable, then place the hearing aid microphone in your ear canal.
That’s all there is to it! Kind of, there’s certainly a learning curve with regard to putting on and taking off your glasses without knocking your hearing aid out of position.
Keep up with both your glasses and your hearing aids
If either of your devices (glasses and hearing aids) isn’t well maintained, the conflict between the two can be increased. Things break sometimes! But those breakages can often be prevented with a little maintenance and regular care.
For your hearing aids:
- At least once a week, clean your hearing aids.
- If you have a rechargeable hearing aid, keep the battery charged.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you’re not wearing them.
- Use a soft pick and a brush to get rid of debris and ear wax.
For your glasses:
- Clean your glasses when they become dirty. At least once a day is the best plan.
- Store your glasses in a case when you’re not using them. Or, you can store them in a safe dry place if you don’t have a case.
- Take your glasses to your optician if they stop fitting properly.
- Utilize a microfiber cloth to clean your glasses. Your lenses could easily be scratched by a paper towel or your shirt, so don’t use them.
Professional help is occasionally required
Hearing aids and glasses are both specialized devices (although they might not seem like it on the surface). So determining the best fit for your hearing aids and your glasses will normally call for a professional’s help.
Avoiding issues rather than attempting to fix them later can be achieved by getting the right help to start with.
Hearing aids and glasses don’t have to fight
Like one of those family feuds that’s been happening too long (with plenty of close-ups, obviously), it’s now time to accept that glasses and hearing aids don’t need to be enemies. Certainly, needing both of these devices can create some obstacles. But we can help you select the right hearing aid for your needs, so you can focus less on keeping your hearing aids in place and more on your quality of life.